BBC: A resolution calling for a worldwide suspension of the use of the death penalty has been introduced at the United Nations General Assembly.
Eighty-one of the 192 UN members are backing the resolution, which is expected to be voted on next week.
This resolution calls for countries which still have the death penalty to introduce a moratorium or a suspension, with a view to abolishing the practice.
Opponents of the moratorium are led by Singapore.
One-hundred-and-thirty countries have already banned the death penalty, and only 25 nations carried out executions last year. UN to vote on death penalty halt (more) By Laura Trevelyan
BBC:
Italy urges global execution ban By David Willey
Mark Alexander
